New and Clueless!!

[FamilyCamper133]

Hi Everyone!! My husband are getting ready to purchase our first ever camper-2013 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 329bhu. Like our FIRST...EVER!!! Granted, my husband camped in a pop up with his family growing up and I went on vacations with my best fiends family in their travel trailer but all I had to know then was throw the toilet paper in the trash unless you...you know...so, I (both of us really) are clueless!!!!! I don't even know where to begin. We have three small children-4, 2 1/2, and 10 months so our goal in camping is creating lots of great memories for them.

Our plan is to pretty much lease a lot at a camp ground that is about 30minutes away and just have little mini vacations when we want to. And eventually build a deck at our lot and have it be our home away from home.

I desperately want to do everything right and care for our new "home" to make it last for years to come! Any tips and advice would be appreciated. Till then...I will continue to explore the forums and try to teach myself all I can! 🙂

[MURPHY55347]

FamilyCamper133
I for one am very excited for you. There is no better feeling than having your first new camper. Yes you will take a hit on depreciation but I don't think that should be a surprise to you. With the little ones I think the leasing idea is probably a good place to get your feet wet and get everything sorted out. Maybe next year you will get the bug to see the world but for now you are probably doing the right thing. My philosophy is if it feels right it probably is right.
Best of luck!

[mowin]

Roadrash450 wrote:

Desert Captain wrote:
I don't see where any of us "slammed" the OP.

Example Comments like:

"I truly believe that this forum is not the one that you are looking for"

"Buying new is for folks with way too much money"

" personally I would never and I mean NEVER buy new as your first RV"

These are kind of a turn off/insulting when read and not just by the OP, as others have posted that they took offence to it as well!
The way I look at this topic, as well as any others, read the OP's comments, answer thier questions, and then move on. An answer that starts with "May I suggest that you look at a used TT ---" comes across a lot better than " Buying new is for folks with way too much money", not so brash and condescending in my opinion, maybe not your's, but mine.

Thank you...Well said.;)

[Capehorny]

Welcome! Please take all of the opinions with a grain of salt, this forum is amazing but you'll need to pick through all of the opinions folks have.

I will tell you that I LOVE having my camper sitting on a site at a campground that I like and simply driving up and plugging it in. Sit down and enjoy, no trailering, checking in, setting up and breaking down. Especially the breaking down and then dealing with the stress on the day you return. PLEASE do what you were thinking, this is also a GREAT way to learn all of the nuances of your new, (or not new....) camper. I rent a site for $315 a month here in FL with no additional cost for utilities. I live 2.5 hours away and cherish the ease of use even if I only go 2-3 weekends a month.

Keep coming back, this site is awesome. You'll sometimes wake up the grumpy know-it-all's that are determined to dictate the right and wrong way to do things, but they mean well...

[Denlor]

Not everyone can up and go on the road when they would like (money, jobs, kids and school) so seasonal is a great way to start. Just enjoy and as they say to each his own.

[Roadrash450]

Desert Captain wrote:
I don't see where any of us "slammed" the OP.

Example Comments like:

"I truly believe that this forum is not the one that you are looking for"

"Buying new is for folks with way too much money"

" personally I would never and I mean NEVER buy new as your first RV"

These are kind of a turn off/insulting when read and not just by the OP, as others have posted that they took offence to it as well!
The way I look at this topic, as well as any others, read the OP's comments, answer thier questions, and then move on. An answer that starts with "May I suggest that you look at a used TT ---" comes across a lot better than " Buying new is for folks with way too much money", not so brash and condescending in my opinion, maybe not your's, but mine.

[Tvov]

Have you looked for used seasonal campers at the campground you are interested in? Most campgrounds we've been at have seasonal sites for sale, many with campers already on them. A friend "purchased" (leased, rented, I am not sure) a seasonal site that already had a TT on it. Came with deck, patio furniture, even a garden shed for storage. The camper was clean and very well cared for, all appliances worked. She changed the bed mattresses and sheets and enjoyed the camper for the whole summer. Basically the same as buying a vacation house, but far less expensive. Something to think about.

[Desert_Captain]

mowin wrote:
WOW..the OP asked for some tips, and got slamed for buying new, AND was told he/she dont belong here because there seasonal...REALLY. I'll be surprised if she comes back to this forum after such a warm welcome.....:o

"Any tips and advice would be appreciated. Till then...I will continue to explore the forums and try to teach myself all I can! "

I don't see where any of us "slammed" the OP. She asked for and received a ton of very good advice that she can take or ignore, her choice. Most first time buyers make lots of expensive mistakes, like buying new. The advice, supported by facts and lots of real world experience will save them thousands of dollars and probably help them to make a better selection be it new or used.

Maybe you think they should just listen to the salesman? :h

[mowin]

WOW..the OP asked for some tips, and got slamed for buying new, AND was told he/she dont belong here because there seasonal...REALLY. I'll be surprised if she comes back to this forum after such a warm welcome.....:o

This will be my DW and I second yr camping. We are seasonal, bought a new 38BHDS this yr, and love it. Most CG have a ton of things for kids to do. I dont think I've seen a bored kid at a CG, unless its raining...Our CG has kid friendly events every weekend.

When you get the TT set up, you will learn very quickly how things work, and I'm sure if you ask a fellow camper, they would be willing to help out...I know I would.

DONT turn on your HW(hot water heater)until its full or you will be buying a new heating element. Keep your black tank valve closed, and dump it when its 1/2 to 3/4 full. I keep my gray tank open all the time, although I do close it the same day I'm going to dump my black tank. After black tank is dumped, i close the valve and open the gray to flush the sewer line. Remember to turn off the HW and to turn the city water off before you leave for the week.

Good luck and have fun....:B

[Tennessee_Nomad]

and for what it's worth... we bought our 2013 unit last year, brand spanking new... no regrets what so ever!

[Farm_Camp]

Hey. Welcome from one newbie to another!!!

As you've read already there is lots of good knowledge on here and there are lots and lots of opinions as well...

For whatever its worth. The Wife and I are completely new to RVing (as adults) and we are looking to purchase the EXACT same unit as your unit later in the summer.

And - gasp! Not only is it brand new- there are only four of us! All of that wasted space - shame on us! 😉

The shame!!! We won't be leasing a space but we might leave our BRAND NEW camper "down at our Farm" for the winter months and use it dry for an occasional weekend even then...

Just remember most people here ARE trying to help but opinions are just that. If you are aware of the depreciation and want new - go for it. I won't go into every reason we have for making the same decision but our eyes are open and we're gonna go for it. I won't even go into the towing vehicle we have in mind... Haha I think some folks might have a seizure. (Sorry folks I'm just trying to lighten the mood a little.)

If you do get that unit - please stay in touch and let us know how it performs for you. I love the floorplan and the time we've spent in one so far makes it really seem perfect for us. Hopefully you can share some real world experience before I pull the trigger.

Welcome again! You won't be clueless for long.

[ls1mike]

Find a good used one for your first TT. I camped for 4 years in a 24 foot 88 Fleetwood Southwind that I purchased in 2000. I sold that and bought a 25 foot 95 Fleetwood Prowler Bunkhouse 5th wheel that I camped in until last summer and bought my brand new 32 footer. I was sure, at this point, that I loved to camp.
I have a 7 year old and 5 year old. They love going to new places.

[Roadrash450]

To further expand on my earlier post:

I have been a Dry camper/wanderer most of my years and since having kids and more toys, a seasonal site has actually tripled the amount of days I have gone camping. There is no way I can fully enjoy a camping trip anymore without a seasonal because I would have to leave stuff at home. I can't take 3 atv's, fishing boat and a 30ft TT with me on everytrip. Now once my boys are older and on their own I can go back to dry camping and leave the seasonal behind.

I did 3 trips with the same TT I parked at the seasonal site last year, just hooked up and left, simple as that.

As a side note:

I thought you had to use a TT to find out what was gonna break, not just towing it around accumulating mileage. If you never used the fridge in 40000 miles how would you know if it worked. Plus a TT parked is less likely to leak then one that has been bounced around for 40000 miles

[LakeN]

As said, I too am a bit surprised at the responses here. There is a lot to be said for having a new camper....enjoy! With 3 children that young, I give you a lot of credit for coming up with the plan for a getaway. You can travel around when they are a bit older. By then you will know the ins/outs of RVs. Just have fun!!

[SprinklerMan]

I can tell you that having different destinations is great for the kids , We started when they were 2 and 4 years old , in a used 24 ft mallard , not what I wanted , but it was a starting point . They jumped on the beds with dirty shoes , broke the screen door , flooded the bathroom , broke the faucet off the kitchen sink , and I didnt care , easy fixes , older camper great times. We have taken them north to ct. and south to NC in the old camper . Now they are a bit older and they are use to camping . We bought a newer used camper thats a great fit with bunks. Packing is quick and easy , you leave most of the stuff you need in the trailer , occupy the kids on the trip , games , dvds , and tablets.
The kids love the different places .

[Steve_Martin]

Welcome! I purchase new and don't have alot a money and don't really care about the depreciation factor. (maybe that's why I don't have money..but I can't take it with me so I have fun spending it) I want it to be mine and my cooties and not have to walk around barefoot on used dirty carpet or a used toilet..YUCK! So have fun with your new camper! I have a favorite state park and a particular favorite site at that park and I go there quite often. Have NEVER found it boring. Very relaxing to get about 45 mins from home, do a little fishing and reading and have a great camping breakfast each morning! So have fun with your leased site.